Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicles

ABSTRACT

A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft for receiving an engine torque, an output shaft for outputting a shifted torque, a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, six control elements, a first connecting member directly connected with a transmission housing, a second connecting member selectively connectable with the transmission housing, a third connecting member selectively connectable with the input shaft, a fourth connecting member directly connected with the input shaft, a fifth connecting member selectively connectable with the transmission housing, a sixth connecting member selectively connectable with the input shaft, and selectively connectable with the transmission housing, a seventh connecting member directly connected with the output shaft, and an eighth connecting member selectively connectable with the input shaft.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No.10-2015-0170989, filed Dec. 2, 2012, the entire contents of which isincorporated herein for all purposes by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an automatic transmission for avehicle.

Description of Related Art

Recent increases in oil prices are triggering stiff competition amongauto-makers in enhancing fuel consumption of a vehicle.

Therefore, research is being conducted on engines in terms of reducingweight and improving fuel efficiency by down-sizing, and research isalso being conducted to ensure both drivability and competitiveness formaximizing fuel efficiency by implementing an automatic transmissionwith multiple speed stages.

However, in the case of the automatic transmission, the number ofinternal components increases as the number of gear shift stages isincreased, which may deteriorate installability, production cost, weightand/or power flow efficiency.

Accordingly, development of a planetary gear train which may bring aboutmaximum efficiency with a small number of components is important inorder to increase a fuel efficiency enhancement effect through themultiple speed stages.

In this respect, an eight-speed automatic transmission has been recentlyintroduced, and a planetary gear train for an automatic transmissionenabling more shift stages is under investigation.

The information disclosed in this Background of the Invention section isonly for enhancement of understanding of the general background of theinvention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form ofsuggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to aperson skilled in the art.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Various aspects of the present invention are directed to providing aplanetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle havingadvantages of, by minimal complexity, realizing at least forward ninthspeeds and at least one reverse speed, increasing a gear ratio span soas to improve power delivery performance and fuel consumption, andachieving driving stability of a vehicle by utilizing a low rotationspeed of an engine.

According to various aspects of the present invention, a planetary geartrain of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an inputshaft for receiving an engine torque, an output shaft for outputting ashifted torque, a first planetary gear set including first, second, andthird rotation elements, a second planetary gear set including fourth,fifth, and sixth rotation elements, a third planetary gear set includingseventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements, a fourth planetary gearset including tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements, sixcontrol elements, at least one control element for selectivelyinterconnecting at least one of the rotation elements and a transmissionhousing, a first connecting member connected with the first rotationelement and directly connected with the transmission housing, a secondconnecting member connected with the second rotation element and theseventh rotation element, and selectively connectable with thetransmission housing to act as a selective fixed element, a thirdconnecting member connected with the third rotation element and thesixth rotation element, and selectively connectable with the input shaftto act as a selective input element, a fourth connecting memberconnected with the fourth rotation element and directly connected withthe input shaft to act as an input element, a fifth connecting memberconnected with the fifth rotation element and selectively connectablewith the transmission housing to act as a selective fixed element, asixth connecting member connected with the eighth rotation element andthe twelfth rotation element, selectively connectable with the inputshaft to act as a selective input element, and selectively connectablewith the transmission housing to act as a selective fixed element, aseventh connecting member connected with the ninth rotation element andthe eleventh rotation element, and directly connected with the outputshaft to act as an output element, and an eighth connecting memberconnected with the tenth rotation element, and selectively connectablewith the input shaft to act as a selective input element.

The first planetary gear set may be a single pinion planetary gear set,where the first rotation element may be a first sun gear, the secondrotation element may be a first planet carrier, and the third rotationelement may be a first ring gear, the second planetary gear set may be asingle pinion planetary gear set, where the fourth rotation element maybe a second sun gear, the fifth rotation element may be a second planetcarrier, and the sixth rotation element may be a second ring gear, thethird planetary gear set may be a single pinion planetary gear set,where the seventh rotation element may be a third sun gear, the eighthrotation element may be a third planet carrier, and the ninth rotationelement may be a third ring gear, and the fourth planetary gear set maybe a single pinion planetary gear set, where the tenth rotation elementmay be a fourth sun gear, the eleventh rotation element may be a fourthplanet carrier, and the twelfth rotation element may be a fourth ringgear.

The six control elements may include a first clutch selectivelyconnecting the input shaft and the third connecting member, a secondclutch selectively connecting the input shaft and the sixth connectingmember, a third clutch selectively connecting the input shaft and theeighth connecting member, a first brake selectively connecting thesecond connecting member and the transmission housing, a second brakeselectively connecting the fifth connecting member and the transmissionhousing, and a third brake selectively connecting the sixth connectingmember and the transmission housing.

Shift stages realized by selective operation of the two control elementsamong the six control elements may include a forward first speed formedby operation of the second and third brakes, a forward second speedformed by operation of the third clutch and the third brake, a forwardthird speed formed by operation of the third clutch and the secondbrake, a forward fourth speed formed by operation of the third clutchand the first brake, a forward fifth speed formed by operation of thefirst and third clutches, a forward sixth speed formed by operation ofthe second and third clutches, a forward seventh speed formed byoperation of the first and second clutches, a forward eighth speedformed by operation of the second clutch and first brake, a forwardninth speed formed by operation of the second clutch and second brake,and a reverse speed formed by operation of the first clutch and thirdbrake.

According to various aspects of the present invention, a planetary geartrain of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an inputshaft for receiving an engine torque, an output shaft for outputting ashifted torque, a first planetary gear set as a single pinion planetarygear set including first, second, and third rotation elements, a secondplanetary gear set as a single pinion planetary gear set includingfourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements, a third planetary gear setas a single pinion planetary gear set including seventh, eighth, andninth rotation elements, a fourth planetary gear set as a single pinionplanetary gear set including tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotationelements, a first connecting member connected with the first rotationelement and directly connected with the transmission housing, a secondconnecting member connected with the second rotation element and theseventh rotation element, and selectively connectable with thetransmission housing, a third connecting member connected with the thirdrotation element and the sixth rotation element, and selectivelyconnectable with the input shaft, a fourth connecting member connectedwith the fourth rotation element and directly connected with the inputshaft, a fifth connecting member connected with the fifth rotationelement and selectively connectable with the transmission housing, asixth connecting member connected with the eighth rotation element andthe twelfth rotation element, and selectively connectable with the inputshaft, and selectively connectable with the transmission housing, aseventh connecting member connected with the ninth rotation element andthe eleventh rotation element, and directly connected with the outputshaft, an eighth connecting member connected with the tenth rotationelement, and selectively connectable with the input shaft, a firstclutch selectively connecting the input shaft and the third connectingmember, a second clutch selectively connecting the input shaft and thesixth connecting member, a third clutch selectively connecting the inputshaft and the eighth connecting member, a first brake selectivelyconnecting the second connecting member and the transmission housing, asecond brake selectively connecting the fifth connecting member and thetransmission housing, and a third brake selectively connecting the sixthconnecting member and the transmission housing.

According to various aspects of the present invention, a planetary geartrain of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an inputshaft for receiving an engine torque, an output shaft for outputting ashifted torque, a first planetary gear set as a single pinion planetarygear set including first, second, and third rotation elements, a secondplanetary gear set as a single pinion planetary gear set includingfourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements, a third planetary gear setas a single pinion planetary gear set including seventh, eighth, andninth rotation elements, a fourth planetary gear set as a single pinionplanetary gear set including tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotationelements, a first connecting member connected with the first rotationelement and directly connected with the transmission housing, a secondconnecting member connected with the second rotation element and theseventh rotation element, and selectively connectable with thetransmission housing, a third connecting member connected with the thirdrotation element and the sixth rotation element, and may be selectivelyconnectable with the input shaft, a fourth connecting member connectedwith the fourth rotation element and directly connected with the inputshaft, a fifth connecting member connected with the fifth rotationelement and selectively connectable with the transmission housing, asixth connecting member connected with the eighth rotation element andthe twelfth rotation element, and selectively connectable with the inputshaft, and selectively connectable with the transmission housing, aseventh connecting member connected with the ninth rotation element andthe eleventh rotation element, and directly connected with the outputshaft, an eighth connecting member connected with the tenth rotationelement, and selectively connectable with the input shaft, a firstclutch selectively connecting the input shaft and the third connectingmember, a second clutch selectively connecting the input shaft and thesixth connecting member, a third clutch selectively connecting the inputshaft and the eighth connecting member, a first brake selectivelyconnecting the second connecting member and the transmission housing, asecond brake selectively connecting the fifth connecting member and thetransmission housing, and a third brake selectively connecting the sixthconnecting member and the transmission housing.

According to various aspects of the present invention, a planetary geartrain of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an inputshaft for receiving an engine torque, an output shaft for outputting ashifted torque, a first planetary gear set as a single pinion planetarygear set including a first sun gear, a first planet carrier, and a firstring gear, a second planetary gear set as a single pinion planetary gearset including a second sun gear, a second planet carrier, and secondring gear, a third planetary gear set as a single pinion planetary gearset including a third sun gear, a third planet carrier, and a third ringgear, a fourth planetary gear set as a single pinion planetary gear setincluding a fourth sun gear, a fourth planet carrier, and a fourth ringgear, a first connecting member connected with the first sun gear anddirectly connected with the transmission housing, a second connectingmember connected with the first planet carrier and the third sun gear,and selectively connectable with the transmission housing, a thirdconnecting member connected with the first ring gear and second ringgear, and may be selectively connectable with the input shaft, a fourthconnecting member connected with the second sun gear and directlyconnected with the input shaft, a fifth connecting member connected withthe second planet carrier and selectively connectable with thetransmission housing, a sixth connecting member connected with the thirdplanet carrier and the fourth ring gear, and selectively connectablewith the input shaft, and selectively connectable with the transmissionhousing, a seventh connecting member connected with the third ring gearand the fourth planet carrier, and directly connected with the outputshaft, an eighth connecting member connected with the fourth sun gear,and selectively connectable with the input shaft, and six controlelements, at least one control element for selectively interconnectingat least one of the connecting members and a transmission housing.

According to various aspects of the present invention, a planetary geartrain of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an inputshaft for receiving an engine torque, an output shaft for outputting ashifted torque, a first planetary gear set as a single pinion planetarygear set including a first sun gear, a first planet carrier, and a firstring gear, a second planetary gear set as a single pinion planetary gearset including a second sun gear, a second planet carrier, and secondring gear, a third planetary gear set as a single pinion planetary gearset including a third sun gear, a third planet carrier, and a third ringgear, a fourth planetary gear set as a single pinion planetary gear setincluding a fourth sun gear, a fourth planet carrier, and a fourth ringgear, a first connecting member connected with the first sun gear anddirectly connected with the transmission housing, a second connectingmember connected with the second planet carrier and the third sun gear,a third connecting member connected with the first ring gear and secondring gear, and selectively connectable with the input shaft, a fourthconnecting member connected with the second sun gear and directlyconnected with the input shaft, a fifth connecting member connected withthe second planet carrier and selectively connectable with thetransmission housing, a sixth connecting member connected with the thirdplanet carrier and the fourth ring gear, selectively connectable withthe input shaft, and selectively connectable with the transmissionhousing, a seventh connecting member connected with the third ring gearand the fourth planet carrier, and directly connected with the outputshaft, an eighth connecting member connected with the fourth sun gear,and selectively connectable with the input shaft, and six controlelements for selectively interconnecting the connecting members and atransmission housing.

A planetary gear train according to various embodiment of the presentinvention may realize at least forward ninth speeds and at least onereverse speed formed by operating the four planetary gear sets as simpleplanetary gear sets by controlling six control elements.

In addition, a planetary gear train according to various embodiments ofthe present invention may substantially improve driving stability byrealizing shift stages appropriate for rotation speed of an engine dueto multi-stages of an automatic transmission.

Furthermore, a planetary gear train according to various embodiments ofthe present invention may maximize engine driving efficiency throughmultiple speed-stages of an automatic transmission, and may improvepower delivery performance and fuel consumption.

It is understood that the tell ii “vehicle” or “vehicular” or othersimilar terms as used herein is inclusive of motor vehicles in generalsuch as passenger automobiles including sports utility vehicles (SUV),buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, watercraft including avariety of boats and ships, aircraft, and the like, and includes hybridvehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles,hydrogen-powered vehicles and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g.,fuel derived from resources other than petroleum). As referred toherein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that has two or more sources ofpower, for example, both gasoline-powered and electric-powered vehicles.

The methods and apparatuses of the present invention have other featuresand advantages which will be apparent from or are set forth in moredetail in the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, andthe following Detailed Description, which together serve to explaincertain principles of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a planetary gear train according tovarious embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an operational chart for respective control elements atrespective shift stages in the planetary gear train according to variousembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a planetary gear train according tovarious embodiments of the present invention.

It should be understood that the appended drawings are not necessarilyto scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of variousfeatures illustrative of the basic principles of the invention. Thespecific design features of the present invention as disclosed herein,including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations,and shapes will be determined in part by the particular intendedapplication and use environment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of thepresent invention(s), examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings and described below. While the invention(s) willbe described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, it will beunderstood that the present description is not intended to limit theinvention(s) to those exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, theinvention(s) is/are intended to cover not only the exemplaryembodiments, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalentsand other embodiments, which may be included within the spirit and scopeof the invention as defined by the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a planetary gear train according tovarious embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a planetary gear train according to variousembodiments of the present invention includes first, second, third, andfourth planetary gear sets PG1, PG2, PG3, and PG4 arranged on a sameaxis, an input shaft IS, an output shaft OS, eight connecting membersTM1 to TM8 for interconnecting rotation elements of the first, second,third, and fourth planetary gear sets PG1, PG2, PG3, and PG4, sixcontrol elements C1 to C2 and B1 to B4, and a transmission housing H.

Torque input from the input shaft IS is shifted by cooperative operationof the first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets PG1, PG2,PG3, and PG4, and then output through the output shaft OS.

The simple planetary gear sets are arranged in the order of first,second, third and fourth planetary gear sets PG1, PG2, PG3 and PG4, froman engine side

The input shaft IS is an input member and the torque from a crankshaftof an engine, after being torque-converted through a torque converter,is input into the input shaft IS.

The output shaft OS is an output member, and being arranged on a sameaxis with the input shaft IS, delivers a shifted torque to a drive shaftthrough a differential apparatus.

The first planetary gear set PG1 is a single pinion planetary gear set,and includes a first sun gear S1, a first planet carrier PC1 thatsupports a first pinion P1 externally engaged with the first sun gearS1, and a first ring gear R1 internally engaged with the first pinionP1. The first sun gear S1 acts as a first rotation element N1, the firstplanet carrier PC1 acts as a second rotation element N2, and the firstring gear R1 acts as a third rotation element N3.

The second planetary gear set PG2 is a single pinion planetary gear set,and includes a second sun gear S2, a second planet carrier PC2 thatsupports a second pinion P2 externally engaged with the second sun gearS2, and a second ring gear R2 internally engaged with the second pinionP2. The second sun gear S2 acts as a fourth rotation element N4, thesecond planet carrier PC2 acts as a fifth rotation element N5, and thesecond ring gear R2 acts as a sixth rotation element N6.

The third planetary gear set PG3 is a single pinion planetary gear set,and includes a third sun gear S3, a third planet carrier PC3 thatsupports a third pinion P3 externally engaged with the third sun gearS3, and a third ring gear R3 internally engaged with the third pinionP3. The third sun gear S3 acts as a seventh rotation element N7, thethird planet carrier PC3 acts as an eighth rotation element N8, and thethird ring gear R3 acts as a ninth rotation element N9.

The fourth planetary gear set PG4 is a single pinion planetary gear set,and includes a fourth sun gear S4, a fourth planet carrier PC4 thatsupports a fourth pinion P4 externally engaged with the fourth sun gearS4, and a fourth ring gear R4 internally engaged with the fourth pinionP4. The fourth sun gear S4 acts as a tenth rotation element N10, thefourth planet carrier PC4 acts as an eleventh rotation element N11, andthe fourth ring gear R4 acts as a twelfth rotation element N12.

In the arrangement of the first, second, third, and fourth planetarygear sets PG1, PG2, PG3, and PG4, the second rotation element N2 isdirectly connected with the seventh rotation element N7 and the thirdrotation element N3 is directly connected with the sixth rotationelement N6, the eighth rotation element N8 is directly connected withthe twelfth rotation element N12, and the ninth rotation element N9 isdirectly connected with the eleventh rotation element N11, by eightconnecting members TM1 to TM8.

The eight connecting members TM1 to TM8 are arranged as follows.

The first connecting member TM1 is connected with the first rotationelement N1 (first sun gear S1), and is directly connected with thetransmission housing H, thereby continuously acting as a fixed element.

The second connecting member TM2 is connected with the second rotationelement N2 (first planet carrier PC1) and seventh rotation element N7(third sun gear S3), and is selectively connectable with thetransmission housing H, thereby acting as a selective fixed element.

The third connecting member TM3 is connected with the third rotationelement N3 (first ring gear R1) and the sixth rotation element N6(second ring gear R2), and is selectively connectable with the inputshaft IS, thereby acting as a selective input element.

The fourth connecting member TM4 is connected with the fourth rotationelement N4 (second sun gear N2), and is directly connected with theinput shaft IS, thereby continuously acting as a n input element.

The fifth connecting member TM5 is connected with the fifth rotationelement N5 (second planet carrier PC2), and is selectively connectablewith the transmission housing H, thereby acting as a selective fixedelement.

The sixth connecting member TM6 is connected with the eighth rotationelement N8 (third planet carrier PC3) and the twelfth rotation elementN12 (fourth ring gear R4), and is selectively connectable with the inputshaft IS (fourth input shaft TM4), thereby acting as a selective inputelement, and is selectively connectable with the transmission housing H,thereby acting as a selective fixed element

The seventh connecting member TM7 is connected with the ninth rotationelement N9 (third ring gear R3) and the eleventh rotation element N11(fourth planet carrier PC4), and is directly connected with the outputshaft OS, thereby continuously acting as a output element.

The eighth connecting member TM8 is connected with the tenth rotationelement N10 (fourth sun gear S4), and is selectively connectable withthe input shaft IS (fourth input shaft TM4), thereby acting as aselective input element.

The connecting members TM1 to TM8 may be selectively interconnected withone another by control elements of three clutches C1, C2, and C3.

The connecting members TM1 to TM8 may be selectively connectable withthe transmission housing H, by control elements of three brakes B1, B2,and B3.

The six control elements C1 to C3 and B1 to B3 are arranged as follows.

The first clutch C1 is arranged between the input shaft IS and the thirdconnecting member TM3, such that the input shaft IS (fourth connectingmember TM4) and the third connecting member TM3 may selectively becomeintegral.

The second clutch C2 is arranged between the input shaft IS (fourthconnecting member TM4) and the sixth connecting member TM6, such thatthe input shaft IS (fourth connecting member TM4) and the sixthconnecting member TM6 may selectively become integral.

The third clutch C3 is arranged between the input shaft IS (fourthconnecting member TM4) and the eighth connecting member TM8, such thatthe input shaft IS (fourth connecting member TM4) and the eighthconnecting member TM8 may selectively become integral.

The first brake B1 is arranged between the second connecting member TM2and the transmission housing H, such that the second connecting memberTM2 may selectively act as a fixed element.

The second brake B2 is arranged between the fifth connecting member TM5and the transmission housing H, such that the fifth connecting memberTM5 may selectively act as a fixed element.

The third brake B3 is arranged between the sixth connecting member TM6and the transmission housing H, such that the sixth connecting memberTM6 may selectively act as a fixed element.

The control elements of the first, second, and the third clutches C1,C2, and C3 and the first, second, and the third brakes B1, B2, and B3may be realized as multi-plate hydraulic pressure friction devices thatare frictionally engaged by hydraulic pressure.

FIG. 2 is an operational chart for respective control elements atrespective shift stages in a planetary gear train according to variousembodiments of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, a planetary gear train according to variousembodiments of the present invention performs shifting by operating twocontrol elements at respective shift stages.

In the forward first speed shift stage D1, second, third brake B2 and B3are operated. As a result, torque of the input shaft IS is input to thefourth connecting member TM4. In addition, the first connecting memberTM1 acts as a fixed element, and the fifth and sixth connecting memberTM5 and TM6 simultaneously act as fixed elements by the operation of thesecond and third brakes B2 and B3, thereby realizing the forward firstspeed and outputting a shifted torque through the output shaft OSconnected with the seventh connecting member.

In the forward second speed shift stage D2, the third clutch C3 and thethird brake B3 are operated. As a result, the eighth connecting memberTM8 is connected with the input shaft IS (fourth connecting member TM4)by the operation of the third clutch C3, torque of the input shaft IS issimultaneously input to the fourth connecting member TM4 and the eighthconnecting member TM8. In addition, the first connecting member TM1 actsas a fixed element and the sixth connecting member TM6 simultaneouslyacts as a fixed element by the operation of the third brake B3, therebyrealizing the forward second speed and outputting a shifted torquethrough the output shaft OS connected with the seventh connecting memberTM7 by cooperative operation of the respective connecting member.

In the forward third speed shift stage D3, third clutch C3 and the thirdclutch C3 are operated. As a result, the eighth connecting member TM8 isconnected with the input shaft IS (fourth connecting member TM4) by theoperation of third clutch C3, torque of the input shaft IS issimultaneously input to the fourth connecting member TM4 and the eighthconnecting member TM8. In addition, the first connecting member TM1 actsas a fixed element and the fifth connecting member TM5 simultaneouslyacts as a fixed element by the operation of the second brake B2, therebyrealizing the forward third speed and outputting a shifted torquethrough the output shaft OS connected with the seventh connecting memberTM7 by cooperative operation of the respective connecting member.

In the forward fourth speed shift stage D4, the third clutch C3 and thefirst brake B1 are operated. As a result, the eighth connecting memberTM8 is connected with the input shaft IS (fourth connecting member TM4)by the operation of the third clutch C3 and torque of the input shaft ISis simultaneously input to fourth connecting member TM4 and the eighthconnecting member TM8. In addition, the first connecting member TM1 actsas a fixed element and the second connecting member TM2 simultaneouslyacts as a fixed element by the operation of the first brake B1, therebyrealizing the forward fourth speed and outputting a shifted torquethrough the output shaft OS connected with the seventh connecting memberTM7 by cooperative operation of the respective connecting member.

In the forward fifth speed shift stage D5, the first and third clutchesC1 and C3 are operated. As a result, the third connecting member TM3 isconnected with the third connecting member TM3 by the operation of thefirst clutch C1, and the eighth connecting member TM8 is connected withthe input shaft IS (fourth connecting member TM4) by the operation ofthe third clutch C3, torque of the input shaft IS is input to fourth,third, and eighth connecting member TM4, TM3, and TM8

In addition, the first connecting member TM1 acts as a fixed element,thereby realizing the forward fifth speed and outputting a shiftedtorque through the output shaft OS connected with the seventh connectingmember TM7 by cooperative operation of the respective connecting member.

In the forward sixth speed shift stage D6, the second and third clutchesC2 and C3 are operated. As a result, the sixth connecting member TM6 isconnected with the input shaft IS (fourth connecting member TM4) by theoperation of the second clutch C2 and eighth connecting member TM8 isconnected with the input shaft IS (fourth connecting member TM4) by theoperation of the third clutch C3, torque of the input shaft IS is inputto fourth, sixth, and eighth connecting member TM4, TM6, and TM8

Then, the first connecting member TM1 acts as a fixed element, therebyrealizing the forward sixth speed and outputting a inputted torquethrough the output shaft OS connected with the seventh connecting memberTM7 by the fourth planetary gear set PG4.

In the forward seventh speed shift stage D7, the first and secondclutches C1 and C2 are operated. As a result, the third connectingmember TM3 is connected with input shaft IS (fourth connecting memberTM4) by the operation of the first clutch C1 and the sixth connectingmember TM6 is connected with the input shaft IS (fourth connectingmember TM4) by the operation of the second clutch C2, torque of theinput shaft IS is input to the fourth, third, and sixth connectingmembers TM4, TM3, and TM6. In addition, the first connecting member TM1acts as a fixed element, thereby realizing the forward seventh speed andoutputting a inputted torque through the output shaft OS connected withthe seventh connecting member TM7.

In the forward eighth speed shift stage D8, the second clutch C2 and thefirst brake B1 are operated. As a result, the sixth connecting memberTM6 is connected with the input shaft IS (fourth connecting member TM4)by operation of the second clutch C2 and torque of the input shaft IS isinput to fourth connecting member TM4 and the sixth connecting memberTM6. And the first connecting member TM1 acts as a fixed element and thesecond connecting member TM2 simultaneously acts as a fixed element bythe operation of the first brake B1, thereby realizing the forwardeighth speed and outputting an inputted torque through the output shaftOS connected with the seventh connecting member TM7.

In the forward ninth speed shift stage D9, second clutch C2 and secondbrake B2 are operated

As a result, the sixth connecting member TM6 is connected with the inputshaft IS (fourth connecting member TM4) by the operation of the secondclutch C2 and torque of the input shaft IS is input to fourth connectingmember TM4 and the sixth connecting member TM6. And the first connectingmember TM1 acts as a fixed element and the fifth connecting member TM5simultaneously acts as a fixed element by the operation of the secondbrake B2, thereby realizing the forward ninth speed and outputting ainputted torque through the output shaft OS connected with the seventhconnecting member TM7.

In the reverse speed REV, the first clutch C1 and the third brake B3 areoperated. As a result, the third connecting member TM3 is connected withthe input shaft IS (fourth connecting member TM4) by the operation ofthe first clutch C1, torque of the input shaft IS is input to the fourthconnecting member TM4 and the third connecting member TM3. In addition,the first connecting member TM1 acts as a fixed element and theconnecting member TM6 simultaneously acts as a fixed element by theoperation of the third brake B3, thereby realizing the reverse speed andoutputting a shifted torque through the output shaft OS connected withthe seventh connecting member TM7 by cooperative operation of therespective connecting member.

As described above, a planetary gear train according to variousembodiments of the present invention may realize forward nine speeds andone reverse speed formed by operating the four planetary gear sets PG1,PG2, PG3, and PG4 by controlling the three clutches C1, C2, and C3 andthe three brakes B1, B2, and B3.

In addition, a planetary gear train according to various embodiments ofthe present invention may substantially improve driving stability byrealizing shift stages appropriate for rotation speed of an engine dueto multi-stages of an automatic transmission.

In addition, a planetary gear train according to various embodiments ofthe present invention may maximize engine driving efficiency bymulti-stages of an automatic transmission, and may improve powerdelivery performance and fuel consumption.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a planetary gear train according tovarious embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, according to various embodiments of the planetarygear train, the first brake B1 is arranged between the third connectingmember TM3 and the transmission housing H contrary to the variousembodiments of FIG. 1, in which the first brake B1 is arranged betweenthe second connecting member TM2 and the transmission housing H.

As a result, at the forward fourth speed and the forward eighth speed inwhich the first brake B1 is operated, the third connecting member TM3acts as a fixed element contrary to the various embodiments of FIG. 1,in which the second connecting member TM2 acts as a fixed element.

In addition, detailed description of the other control elements atrespective shift stages, as shown in FIG. 2, will be omitted because theelements act as the various embodiments of FIG. 1.

For convenience in explanation and accurate definition in the appendedclaims, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “inner” and “outer”, “up,” “down,”“upper”, “lower,” “upwards,” “downwards”, “front”, “rear”, “back”,“inside”, “outside”, “inwardly,” “outwardly,” “interior”, “exterior”,“inner,” “outer”, “forwards” and “backwards” are used to describefeatures of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the positions ofsuch features as displayed in the figures.

The foregoing descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteachings. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in orderto explain certain principles of the invention and their practicalapplication, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to make andutilize various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as wellas various alternatives and modifications thereof. It is intended thatthe scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto andtheir equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A planetary gear train of an automatictransmission for a vehicle, comprising: an input shaft for receiving anengine torque; an output shaft for outputting a shifted torque; a firstplanetary gear set including a first rotation element, a second rotationelement, and a third rotation element; a second planetary gear setincluding a fourth rotation element, a fifth rotation element, and asixth rotation element; a third planetary gear set including a seventhrotation element, an eighth rotation element, and a ninth rotationelement; a fourth planetary gear set including a tenth rotation element,an eleventh rotation element, and a twelfth rotation element; sixcontrol elements, at least one control element for selectivelyinterconnecting at least one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth,sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotationelements and a transmission housing; a first connecting member connectedwith the first rotation element and directly connected with thetransmission housing; a second connecting member connected with thesecond rotation element and the seventh rotation element, andselectively connectable with the transmission housing to act as aselective fixed element; a third connecting member connected with thethird rotation element and the sixth rotation element, and selectivelyconnectable with the input shaft to act as a selective input element; afourth connecting member connected with the fourth rotation element anddirectly connected with the input shaft to act as an input element; afifth connecting member connected with the fifth rotation element andselectively connectable with the transmission housing to act as aselective fixed element; a sixth connecting member connected with theeighth rotation element and the twelfth rotation element, selectivelyconnectable with the input shaft to act as a selective input element,and selectively connectable with the transmission housing to act as aselective fixed element; a seventh connecting member connected with theninth rotation element and the eleventh rotation element, and directlyconnected with the output shaft to act as an output element; and aneighth connecting member connected with the tenth rotation element, andselectively connectable with the input shaft to act as a selective inputelement.
 2. The planetary gear train of claim 1, wherein the firstplanetary gear set is a single pinion planetary gear set, where thefirst rotation element is a first sun gear, the second rotation elementis a first planet carrier, and the third rotation element is a firstring gear; the second planetary gear set is a single pinion planetarygear set, where the fourth rotation element is a second sun gear, thefifth rotation element is a second planet carrier, and the sixthrotation element is a second ring gear; the third planetary gear set isa single pinion planetary gear set, where the seventh rotation elementis a third sun gear, the eighth rotation element is a third planetcarrier, and the ninth rotation element is a third ring gear; and thefourth planetary gear set is a single pinion planetary gear set, wherethe tenth rotation element is a fourth sun gear, the eleventh rotationelement is a fourth planet carrier, and the twelfth rotation element isa fourth ring gear.
 3. The planetary gear train of claim 1, wherein thesix control elements comprise: a first clutch selectively connecting theinput shaft and the third connecting member; a second clutch selectivelyconnecting the input shaft and the sixth connecting member; a thirdclutch selectively connecting the input shaft and the eighth connectingmember; a first brake selectively connecting the second connectingmember and the transmission housing; a second brake selectivelyconnecting the fifth connecting member and the transmission housing; anda third brake selectively connecting the sixth connecting member and thetransmission housing.
 4. The planetary gear train of claim 3, whereinshift stages realized by selective operation of two control elementsamong the six control elements comprise: a forward first speed formed byoperation of the second and third brakes; a forward second speed formedby operation of the third clutch and the third brake; a forward thirdspeed formed by operation of the third clutch and the second brake; aforward fourth speed formed by operation of the third clutch and thefirst brake; a forward fifth speed formed by operation of the first andthird clutches; a forward sixth speed formed by operation of the secondand third clutches; a forward seventh speed formed by operation of thefirst and second clutches; a forward eighth speed formed by operation ofthe second clutch and first brake; a forward ninth speed formed byoperation of the second clutch and second brake; and a reverse speedformed by operation of the first clutch and third brake.
 5. A planetarygear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle, comprising: aninput shaft for receiving an engine torque; an output shaft foroutputting a shifted torque; a first planetary gear set as a singlepinion planetary gear set including a first rotation element, a secondrotation element, and a third rotation element; a second planetary gearset as a single pinion planetary gear set including a fourth rotationelement, a fifth rotation element, and a sixth rotation element; a thirdplanetary gear set as a single pinion planetary gear set including aseventh rotation element, an eighth rotation element, and a ninthrotation element; a fourth planetary gear set as a single pinionplanetary gear set including a tenth rotation element, an eleventhrotation element, and a twelfth rotation element; a first connectingmember connected with the first rotation element and directly connectedwith the transmission housing; a second connecting member connected withthe second rotation element and the seventh rotation element, andselectively connectable with the transmission housing; a thirdconnecting member connected with the third rotation element and thesixth rotation element, and selectively connectable with the inputshaft; a fourth connecting member connected with the fourth rotationelement and directly connected with the input shaft; a fifth connectingmember connected with the fifth rotation element and selectivelyconnectable with the transmission housing; a sixth connecting memberconnected with the eighth rotation element and the twelfth rotationelement, and selectively connectable with the input shaft, andselectively connectable with the transmission housing; a seventhconnecting member connected with the ninth rotation element and theeleventh rotation element, and directly connected with the output shaft;an eighth connecting member connected with the tenth rotation element,and selectively connectable with the input shaft; a first clutchselectively connecting the input shaft and the third connecting member;a second clutch selectively connecting the input shaft and the sixthconnecting member; a third clutch selectively connecting the input shaftand the eighth connecting member; a first brake selectively connectingthe second connecting member and the transmission housing; a secondbrake selectively connecting the fifth connecting member and thetransmission housing; and a third brake selectively connecting the sixthconnecting member and the transmission housing.
 6. The planetary geartrain of claim 5, wherein the first planetary gear set is a singlepinion planetary gear set, where the first rotation element is a firstsun gear, the second rotation element is a first planet carrier, and thethird rotation element is a first ring gear; the second planetary gearset is a single pinion planetary gear set, where the fourth rotationelement is a second sun gear, the fifth rotation element is a secondplanet carrier, and the sixth rotation element is a second ring gear;the third planetary gear set is a single pinion planetary gear set,where the seventh rotation element is a third sun gear, the eighthrotation element is a third planet carrier, and the ninth rotationelement is a third ring gear; and the fourth planetary gear set is asingle pinion planetary gear set, where the tenth rotation element is afourth sun gear, the eleventh rotation element is a fourth planetcarrier, and the twelfth rotation element is a fourth ring gear.
 7. Theplanetary gear train of claim 5, wherein shift stages realized byselective operation of two control elements among the three clutches andthe three brakes comprise: a forward first speed formed by operation ofthe second and third brakes; a forward second speed formed by operationof the third clutch and the third brake; a forward third speed formed byoperation of the third clutch and the second brake; a forward fourthspeed formed by operation of the third clutch and the first brake; aforward fifth speed formed by operation of the first and third clutches;a forward sixth speed formed by operation of the second and thirdclutches; a forward seventh speed formed by operation of the first andsecond clutches; a forward eighth speed formed by operation of thesecond clutch and first brake; a forward ninth speed formed by operationof the second clutch and second brake; and a reverse speed formed byoperation of the first clutch and third brake.
 8. A planetary gear trainof an automatic transmission for a vehicle, comprising: an input shaftfor receiving an engine torque; an output shaft for outputting a shiftedtorque; a first planetary gear set as a single pinion planetary gear setincluding a first rotation element, a second rotation element, and athird rotation element; a second planetary gear set as a single pinionplanetary gear set including a fourth rotation element, a fifth rotationelement, and a sixth rotation element; a third planetary gear set as asingle pinion planetary gear set including a seventh rotation element,an eighth rotation element, and a ninth rotation element; a fourthplanetary gear set as a single pinion planetary gear set including atenth rotation element, an eleventh rotation element, and a twelfthrotation element; a first connecting member connected with the firstrotation element and directly connected with the transmission housing; asecond connecting member connected with the second rotation element andthe seventh rotation element, and selectively connectable with thetransmission housing; a third connecting member connected with the thirdrotation element and the sixth rotation element, and is selectivelyconnectable with the input shaft; a fourth connecting member connectedwith the fourth rotation element and directly connected with the inputshaft; a fifth connecting member connected with the fifth rotationelement and selectively connectable with the transmission housing; asixth connecting member connected with the eighth rotation element andthe twelfth rotation element, and selectively connectable with the inputshaft, and selectively connectable with the transmission housing; aseventh connecting member connected with the ninth rotation element andthe eleventh rotation element, and directly connected with the outputshaft; an eighth connecting member connected with the tenth rotationelement, and selectively connectable with the input shaft; a firstclutch selectively connecting the input shaft and the third connectingmember; a second clutch selectively connecting the input shaft and thesixth connecting member; a third clutch selectively connecting the inputshaft and the eighth connecting member; a first brake selectivelyconnecting the second connecting member and the transmission housing; asecond brake selectively connecting the fifth connecting member and thetransmission housing; and a third brake selectively connecting the sixthconnecting member and the transmission housing.
 9. The planetary geartrain of claim 8, wherein the first planetary gear set is a singlepinion planetary gear set, where the first rotation element is a firstsun gear, the second rotation element is a first planet carrier, and thethird rotation element is a first ring gear; the second planetary gearset is a single pinion planetary gear set, where the fourth rotationelement is a second sun gear, the fifth rotation element is a secondplanet carrier, and the sixth rotation element is a second ring gear;the third planetary gear set is a single pinion planetary gear set,where the seventh rotation element is a third sun gear, the eighthrotation element is a third planet carrier, and the ninth rotationelement is a third ring gear; and the fourth planetary gear set is asingle pinion planetary gear set, where the tenth rotation element is afourth sun gear, the eleventh rotation element is a fourth planetcarrier, and the twelfth rotation element is a fourth ring gear.
 10. Theplanetary gear train of claim 8, wherein shift stages realized byselective operation of the two control elements among the three clutchesand the three brakes comprise: a forward first speed formed by operationof the second and third brakes; a forward second speed formed byoperation of the third clutch and the third brake; a forward third speedformed by operation of the third clutch and the second brake; a forwardfourth speed formed by operation of the third clutch and the firstbrake; a forward fifth speed formed by operation of the first and thirdclutches; a forward sixth speed formed by operation of the second andthird clutches; a forward seventh speed formed by operation of the firstand second clutches; a forward eighth speed formed by operation of thesecond clutch and first brake; a forward ninth speed formed by operationof the second clutch and second brake; and a reverse speed formed byoperation of the first clutch and third brake.
 11. A planetary geartrain of an automatic transmission for a vehicle, comprising: an inputshaft for receiving an engine torque; an output shaft for outputting ashifted torque; a first planetary gear set as a single pinion planetarygear set including a first sun gear, a first planet carrier, and a firstring gear; a second planetary gear set as a single pinion planetary gearset including a second sun gear, a second planet carrier, and secondring gear; a third planetary gear set as a single pinion planetary gearset including a third sun gear, a third planet carrier, and a third ringgear; a fourth planetary gear set as a single pinion planetary gear setincluding a fourth sun gear, a fourth planet carrier, and a fourth ringgear, a first connecting member connected with the first sun gear anddirectly connected with a transmission housing; a second connectingmember connected with the first planet carrier and the third sun gear,and selectively connectable with the transmission housing; a thirdconnecting member connected with the first ring gear and second ringgear, and is selectively connectable with the input shaft; a fourthconnecting member connected with the second sun gear and directlyconnected with the input shaft; a fifth connecting member connected withthe second planet carrier and selectively connectable with thetransmission housing; a sixth connecting member connected with the thirdplanet carrier and the fourth ring gear, and selectively connectablewith the input shaft, and selectively connectable with the transmissionhousing; a seventh connecting member connected with the third ring gearand the fourth planet carrier, and directly connected with the outputshaft; an eighth connecting member connected with the fourth sun gear,and selectively connectable with the input shaft; and six controlelements, at least one control element for selectively interconnectingat least one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventhand eighth connecting members and the transmission housing.
 12. Theplanetary gear train of claim 11, wherein the six control elementscomprise: a first clutch selectively connecting the input shaft and thethird connecting member; a second clutch selectively connecting theinput shaft and the sixth connecting member; a third clutch selectivelyconnecting the input shaft and the eighth connecting member; a firstbrake selectively connecting the second connecting member and thetransmission housing; a second brake selectively connecting the fifthconnecting member and the transmission housing; and a third brakeselectively connecting the sixth connecting member and the transmissionhousing.
 13. The planetary gear train of claim 12, wherein shift stagesrealized by selective operation of the two control elements among thesix control elements comprise: a forward first speed formed by operationof the second and third brakes; a forward second speed formed byoperation of the third clutch and the third brake; a forward third speedformed by operation of the third clutch and the second brake; a forwardfourth speed formed by operation of the third clutch and the firstbrake; a forward fifth speed formed by operation of the first and thirdclutches; a forward sixth speed formed by operation of the second andthird clutches; a forward seventh speed formed by operation of the firstand second clutches; a forward eighth speed formed by operation of thesecond clutch and first brake; a forward ninth speed formed by operationof the second clutch and second brake; and a reverse speed formed byoperation of the first clutch and third brake.
 14. A planetary geartrain of an automatic transmission for a vehicle, comprising: an inputshaft for receiving an engine torque; an output shaft for outputting ashifted torque; a first planetary gear set as a single pinion planetarygear set including a first sun gear, a first planet carrier, and a firstring gear; a second planetary gear set as a single pinion planetary gearset including a second sun gear, a second planet carrier, and secondring gear; a third planetary gear set as a single pinion planetary gearset including a third sun gear, a third planet carrier, and a third ringgear; a fourth planetary gear set as a single pinion planetary gear setincluding a fourth sun gear, a fourth planet carrier, and a fourth ringgear, a first connecting member connected with the first sun gear anddirectly connected with a transmission housing; a second connectingmember connected with the second planet carrier and the third sun gear;a third connecting member connected with the first ring gear and secondring gear, and selectively connectable with the input shaft; a fourthconnecting member connected with the second sun gear and directlyconnected with the input shaft; a fifth connecting member connected withthe second planet carrier and selectively connectable with thetransmission housing; a sixth connecting member connected with the thirdplanet carrier and the fourth ring gear, selectively connectable withthe input shaft, and selectively connectable with the transmissionhousing; a seventh connecting member connected with the third ring gearand the fourth planet carrier, and directly connected with the outputshaft; an eighth connecting member connected with the fourth sun gear,and selectively connectable with the input shaft; and six controlelements for selectively interconnecting the connecting members and thetransmission housing.
 15. The planetary gear train of claim 14, whereinthe six control elements comprise: a first clutch selectively connectingthe input shaft and the third connecting member; a second clutchselectively connecting the input shaft and the sixth connecting member;a third clutch selectively connecting the input shaft and the eighthconnecting member; a first brake selectively connecting the secondconnecting member and the transmission housing; a second brakeselectively connecting the fifth connecting member and the transmissionhousing; and a third brake selectively connecting the sixth connectingmember and the transmission housing.
 16. The planetary gear train ofclaim 15, wherein shift stages realized by selective operation of thetwo control elements among the six control elements comprise: a forwardfirst speed formed by operation of the second and third brakes; aforward second speed formed by operation of the third clutch and thethird brake; a forward third speed formed by operation of the thirdclutch and the second brake; a forward fourth speed formed by operationof the third clutch and the first brake; a forward fifth speed formed byoperation of the first and third clutches; a forward sixth speed formedby operation of the second and third clutches; a forward seventh speedformed by operation of the first and second clutches; a forward eighthspeed formed by operation of the second clutch and first brake; aforward ninth speed formed by operation of the second clutch and secondbrake; and a reverse speed formed by operation of the first clutch andthird brake.
 17. The planetary gear train of claim 1, wherein the sixcontrol elements comprise: a first clutch selectively connecting theinput shaft and the third connecting member; a second clutch selectivelyconnecting the input shaft and the sixth connecting member; a thirdclutch selectively connecting the input shaft and the eighth connectingmember; a first brake selectively connecting the third connecting memberand the transmission housing; a second brake selectively connecting thefifth connecting member and the transmission housing; and a third brakeselectively connecting the sixth connecting member and the transmissionhousing.
 18. The planetary gear train of claim 11, wherein the sixcontrol elements comprise: a first clutch selectively connecting theinput shaft and the third connecting member; a second clutch selectivelyconnecting the input shaft and the sixth connecting member; a thirdclutch selectively connecting the input shaft and the eighth connectingmember; a first brake selectively connecting the third connecting memberand the transmission housing; a second brake selectively connecting thefifth connecting member and the transmission housing; and a third brakeselectively connecting the sixth connecting member and the transmissionhousing.
 19. The planetary gear train of claim 14, wherein the sixcontrol elements comprise: a first clutch selectively connecting theinput shaft and the third connecting member; a second clutch selectivelyconnecting the input shaft and the sixth connecting member; a thirdclutch selectively connecting the input shaft and the eighth connectingmember; a first brake selectively connecting the third connecting memberand the transmission housing; a second brake selectively connecting thefifth connecting member and the transmission housing; and a third brakeselectively connecting the sixth connecting member and the transmissionhousing.